Playing for 90
Fansided

Two players to watch for each remaining team in the MLS Cup playoffs

By Carson A Merk

Aug 24, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) jumps on the back of forward Jozy Altidore (17) after he scored against the Orlando City SC during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Toronto FC defeated the Orlando City SC 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 24, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) jumps on the back of forward Jozy Altidore (17) after he scored against the Orlando City SC during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Toronto FC defeated the Orlando City SC 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 6, 2016; Harrison, NJ, USA; Montreal Impact midfielder Ignacio Piatti (10) shoots the ball as New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles (31) defends during the second half at Red Bull Arena. Montreal won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Harrison, NJ, USA; Montreal Impact midfielder Ignacio Piatti (10) shoots the ball as New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles (31) defends during the second half at Red Bull Arena. Montreal won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Ignacio Piatti

Whether it’s fair or not, the first person you think of when you hear Montreal Impact, is Didier Drogba. But it’s clear who the best player on the club is right now, that’s Nacho Piatti. Following up on his 17 goal and six assist regular season, Nacho has scored three goals in three playoff matches in 2016. He is a nightmare to defend against in the open field, with his great vision of teammates and the goal, he’s a threat to score or set up a teammate at any moment.

High energy forward Matteo Mancosu starting in place of the slower, more methodical Drogba, has allowed Piatti to push the tempo even more on offense. That’s bad news for any defense, including Toronto’s this round.

Oct 30, 2016; Montreal , Quebec, Canada; Montreal Impact defender Laurent Ciman (23) takes the ball away from New York Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips (99) during the second half at Stade Saputo. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Montreal , Quebec, Canada; Montreal Impact defender Laurent Ciman (23) takes the ball away from New York Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips (99) during the second half at Stade Saputo. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /

Laurent Ciman

The 2015 MLS Defender of the Year certainly didn’t deserve that award during the 2016 regular season. He was good a lot of the time, but Laurent Ciman was very inconsistent throughout the Impact’s campaign. In the postseason, he is absolutely in 2015 form.

The veteran Belgian national team centerback is the vocal leader of Montreal’s backline. Against the Red Bulls, it was often Ciman stepping in to steal the ball, or clear it away from danger, at the last second. He frustrated Bradley Wright-Phillips, not allowing service to the Golden Boot winner, and giving him no room to breathe if he received a pass.

Ciman looked to have some bounce in his step, and he will need every ounce of energy he has to stop Toronto FC and these next two players.

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